updated 10:24 pm EST, Sat March 9, 2013

Software aimed at making switching from iPhone easy

Sony is looking to attract users to its newest Xperia handsets, and it's taking aim at potential converts from Apple's iPhone. In a move to encourage switching from the iPhone to a Sony smartphone, the Japanese company recently rolled out a new version of its Xperia Transfer software. The software is aimed at making it easy to move from an iPhone to a Sony handset and still keep one's information intact.

A video on the Xperia Transfer page explains that users must first back up the information on their iPhones to their computers. Upon connecting a new Sony handset, users start up Xperia Transfer, and the software sets to work copying over contacts, messages, calendar entries, notes, bookmarks, and more.

The software is compatible with a number of Sony's most recent handsets, including its newest, the Xperia Z line. It also works with the Xperia V, Xperia VC, Xperia TC, Xperia T, and Xperia TL.

Sony has an uphill climb in the smartphone market, a segment dominated by Apple and Samsung. Its most recent quarterly statement showed continuing improvement in its Mobile Products and Communications business, with sales and operating revenue increasing by 94.4 percent.